Bühler’s CompactMix targets alternative chocolate demand

Responding directly to persistent cocoa market volatility and the escalating manufacturer shift toward non-traditional formulations, Swiss technology leader Bühler has unveiled CompactMix.

The new integrated mixing and grinding system offers confectionery producers the crucial flexibility, quality consistency, and energy efficiency required to innovate within the chocolate and compound mass sector.

The system is engineered to support manufacturers transitioning to chocolate alternatives and diverse compound recipes, ensuring product quality remains uncompromised despite ingredient reformulation.

CompactMix facilitates the efficient production of a vast array of confectionery masses, including soft praline centres, thermal-stable coatings for warm climates, snack bar components, and premium spreads.

CompactMix addresses two critical industry drivers: the need for diverse formulations to manage raw material costs, and the increasing demand for on-the-go products requiring varied fillings and coatings.

The core of the system combines the high-speed, uniform ShearMix mixing unit with the precision Aurora ball mill. This synergy ensures uniform textures with particle sizes consistently below 20 microns for a premium mouthfeel.

CompactMix handles everything from low-fat to high-fat recipes, offering full flexibility for producers using traditional cocoa mass, cocoa butter alternatives, and other compound fats. It consumes up to 30% less energy than conventional systems.

Skeljzen Nesimi, head of product management chocolate & coffee at Bühler, underscored the formulation focus: “CompactMix gives manufacturers the freedom to craft premium chocolate spreads, fillings, and coatings with exceptional quality and consistency. Its flexible design supports a wide range of ingredients, encouraging creativity and innovation in developing modern confectionery masses while managing material costs.”